Wildlife CSI: Dr. Greg Simpson on Fighting Wildlife Crime with Forensics

Chris interviews Dr. Greg Simpson, veterinarian and co-founder of South Africa’s Wildlife Forensic Academy. Born from the rhino poaching crisis, the academy trains rangers, veterinarians, law enforcement, and conservationists in wildlife crime scene investigation, evidence collection, forensic science, and courtroom procedures. They discuss the growing threat of wildlife crime, the role of forensic science in securing convictions, innovative training tools including a wildlife “body farm,” and why protecting biodiversity requires stronger collaboration between conservation and law enforcement. Dr. Simpson also shares what gives him hope for the future of wildlife conservation. Learn more about the Wildlife Forensics Academy HERE Timeline 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:04 Origins of Wildlife Forensics Academy 02:00 Why Wildlife Crime Matters Now 04:29 First Response Crime Scene Basics 06:50 Inside the Training Experience Lab 09:21 Beyond Big Animals 10:27 Entomology and Body Farm Research 14:21 Students and Global Reach 16:34 Trends After COVID 21:23 Megafauna and Marine Threats 25:49 From Field to Courtroom 27:57 Legal Complexities and Taxonomy 31:11 Public Misconceptions and Consumer Choices 36:29 Future of Wildlife Forensics 39:55 What Gives Hope 45:07 How to Get Involved 46:55 Final Thanks and Wrap Up == Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices